Q&A: Details on Ohio's crackdown on exotic animals

ANN SANNERAssociated Press Published: June 5, 2012 4:05 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Owners of exotic animals in Ohio soon will face new regulations under a bill that Gov. John Kasich signed into law Tuesday.

The state's restrictions on exotic pets have been among the nation's weakest. And efforts to bolster the law took on new urgency after Terry Thompson released 50 animals -- including black bears, mountain lions and Bengal tigers -- from his eastern Ohio farm in Zanesville in October before he committed suicide. Authorities were forced to kill 48 of the animals as a public safety measure. Two others were believed to have been eaten by other animals.

Here are some questions and answers about Ohio's crackdown on exotic animals:

Q: Will current owners be able to keep their dangerous exotic animals?

A: Yes. Current owners can keep their creatures by obtaining a new state-issued wildlife shelter permit by Jan. 1, 2014. They must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, pay permit fees, obtain liability insurance or surety bonds, and show inspectors that they can properly contain the animal and adhere to other caretaking standards. Owners must have a microchip installed in their dangerous animals so they can be identified if lost or if they escape, and they must register the animals with the state by Nov. 2. They'll have to tell Ohio officials where the animals are, how many they have, what the creatures look like and who their veterinarian is, among other details. Signs would have to be posted on their property to alert people there are dangerous animals on the premises.

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Q: Can people purchase new lions, wolves or other dangerous, wild animals?

A: No. With few exceptions, people will be banned from buying, selling, trading, or transferring ownership of the exotic creatures as soon as the law takes effect on Sept. 3.

Q: What are some of the animals included in the ban and new permit restrictions?

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A: Yes. The new rules won't apply to certain owners and animals. For instances, owners of smaller monkeys, such as certain marmosets or capuchins, will only have to register the primate, but wouldn't have to get a state-issued permit. Facilities accredited by some national zoo groups also will be exempt from the law, along with sanctuaries, circuses and research institutions.

Q: What about snakes?

A: Current and new ownership of venomous and constricting snakes can continue, but new rules will apply. The law creates a category of restricted snakes that includes anacondas, pythons, constricting snakes that are 12 feet or longer, and other specified venomous snakes. Those owners that don't intend to breed or sell would have to pay a $150 application fee with the state to keep them, regardless of how many they own. Owners of restricted snakes, with the exception of constricting snakes, will also have to get liability insurance policies ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on the number snakes.

Q: How many dangerous wild animals will the new law affect?

A: That's unknown. Rough estimates by the state's agriculture department put the number of dangerous animals in Ohio close to 640, but that figure includes some venomous snakes. The officials based the estimated inventory on information from owners who already are licensed with state or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with reports from law enforcement.

Q: How much will the new regulation program cost Ohio?

A: Estimated costs for the first year are $600,000 to $720,000. The Legislature set aside $500,000 to help with the startup of the program. The administration hopes to help pay for it with permit fees from owners.

Q: How much will current owners have to pay in fees to keep their dangerous wild animals?

A: Permits for bears, tigers and other dangerous animals will begin at $250 and could be more than $1,000, depending on the number of animals. Owners could start applying for permits with the agriculture department by Oct. 1, 2013. The state's agriculture director has 90 days after receiving the application to issue or deny the permit. Insurance policies for the creatures could range from $200,000 to as high as $1 million, depending on the number of animals.

Q: What happens to the animals of owners who are denied state-issued permits or can't meet the new requirements?

A: The state will try to work with the owner to find new homes for the creatures. But if the owner refuses to give up the animals, the state would seize them.